UPMC Medical Education Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at UPMC is a comprehensive one-year, ACGME-approved training program, which is also accredited by the American Board of Surgery. The program has four positions available each year for physicians who have completed a minimum of three years in an ACGME-approved residency program, specifically in general surgery, neurosurgery, urology, or obstetrics/gynecology 1.

The fellowship focuses on developing in-depth clinical knowledge and technical skills required for caring for critically ill patients. Specific areas of training include management of general trauma, neurotrauma, abdominal organ transplantation, burn care, neurovascular critical care, and cardiothoracic critical care. Participants gain substantial operative experience during three months of hands-on training in the Trauma/Acute Care Surgery Service, which sees more than 4,000 patient admissions annually 1.

Multidisciplinary Critical Care Training

The program incorporates a pioneering Multidisciplinary Critical Care Training Program, where fellows train alongside specialists from various domains like Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Surgery, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. This integrated environment promotes an expansive clinical experience, fostering collaboration and teamwork among diverse medical professionals 1.

The curriculum combines hands-on clinical experience with workshops, medical simulations, and didactic education, enhancing the learning process significantly 1.

Clinical Rotations

The training year is organized into 13 blocks, each lasting four weeks. Fellows spend nine months focusing on surgical critical care, complemented by elective rotations and scholarly pursuits. A typical first-year schedule includes rotations in:

• Trauma/Surgical ICU – 3 blocks
• Neurotrauma ICU – 1 block
• Neurovascular ICU – 1 block
• Cardiothoracic ICU – 1 block
• Transplant ICU – 1 block
• Trauma/Acute Care Surgery Service – 2 blocks

For second-year fellows who advance to the Acute Care Surgery Fellowship, the focus shifts towards leadership roles while continuing academic development 1.

Training Hospitals

Training takes place at esteemed facilities, including:

• UPMC Presbyterian: Surgical Trauma ICU, Neurotrauma ICU, Neurovascular ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU
• UPMC Montefiore: Transplant ICU
• UPMC Mercy: Medical-Surgical ICU, Medical-Neuro ICU
• Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System

Such variety ensures exposure to diverse patient populations and scenarios, critical for developing adept critical care physicians 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The fellowship is embedded in one of the most academically productive research programs nationally, enabling access to numerous research opportunities and mentorships. Fellows can engage in projects supporting clinical practice, education, and health care administration, preparing them for future leadership in critical care 1.

Unique educational activities encompass hands-on simulation workshops (including complex procedures), weekly lectures, and seminars focusing on topics such as end-of-life communication and leadership in healthcare 1.

Professional Development and Mentorship

The program emphasizes professional development and personalized mentorship, providing fellows with structured guidance tailored to their career aspirations. Opportunities exist for participation in quality improvement initiatives, educational programs, and research collaborations 1.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The fellowship is noted for its competitive nature and seeks highly qualified candidates. Applicants must follow specific application requirements, including graduate medical training licenses, and indications of prior training. The program accepts candidates on various visas, specifically providing support for H1B visas, but does not sponsor J1 visas 1.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at UPMC supports H1B visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. However, applicants requiring J1 visa sponsorship are not eligible for this program 1.

In summary, the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at UPMC offers rigorous, multidisciplinary training within a supportive collaborative framework, paired with comprehensive research opportunities, advanced clinical experience, and robust mentorship for budding intensivists aiming to excel in critical care medicine.